Philanthropy Friday: Momchalant on Teen Pregnancy

Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Jennifer. You can view past posts from the serieshere.

At the young and naïve age of 19, I found out I was pregnant. At the time, my boyfriend and I were both working part-time jobs and still living with our parents.

As the news of my pregnancy spread, friends and family members slowly started to disappear from my life. It made me feel very alone, not to mention I was already spending my days inside, on the couch, and eating whatever I craved that day.

My boyfriend and I moved in together to get a feel for adulthood before we entered parenthood. Turns out, it’s not as easy as we hoped it would be. We had to learn to cook dinner (yes, neither of us knew how to cook), maintain a clean home, and budget our money. The new responsibilities of living on our own were so overwhelming that we couldn’t imagine throwing a baby into the mix. But, it was happening.

In March 2012, my son, Noah was born. My entire life had completely changed. I was now responsible for another person’s well-being and upbringing. I was no longer the scared mother-to-be who didn’t know how to change a diaper. I was now the mother who was okay at changing diapers. As my son learned, so did I.

Once I started going out and about with my son, the same judgments I received when I was pregnant came back.

I wanted a place that I felt welcomed. So, I turned to Google and found the world of mommy blogging. Despite my age, I could relate with others due to the simple fact that we were both mothers.

As I continued to discover more blogs, I realized that this is something I wanted to do, and could turn it into a place where others felt welcomed. I started my blog, MomChalant.com in February 2013. My blog is a place where moms (and non-moms) come to not feel judged, connect with others, hear my stories to make them feel less crazy, get educated about teen pregnancy, and ask for advice.

Since creating my blog, I have received numerous amounts of positive feedback. People have reached out to me on my blog and personally reached out to me via email.

The words of encouragement I receive are what keeps me blogging. I now have a place where I can come to feel at ease and welcomed, and at the same time, provide a place for others to feel the same way. After all – writing is free therapy.

Ashlee started her blog to be inspiring, encourage others, and make people laugh. She’s also a lover of cookie dough, shoes, and The Beatles. Read her blog at Momchalant.com.

I just love that you saw a need and you filled it—and you are supporting moms (and non-moms) everywhere. That is AWESOME! Noah is a lucky boy to have a mom like you!! –LisaThe Dose of Reality recently posted..Pinterest Nightmare #157: The TV Hat

Free therapy – can’t beat that. (or cookie dough) Happy to see you guesting here – I read both of your posts consistently. It’s nice to hear about the good that blogging does for people in places in life that I’m not in right now. I do know how great it’s been for me too.Tamara recently posted..Ask Away Friday.

I am sure you are also a great inspiration to other young mothers who have had to grow up too fast! Good for you, and I’m glad you have felt a place to belong in the mommy blogging world. I too have turned to mommy blogging for love, support, and acceptance!Alexa recently posted..A Really Big, Mother of All Big, Big, Deal

I am SO impressed that you have pulled your life together in such an amazing way to take good care of your baby and land into adulthood so fast! Truly and inspiration. You will be such an encouragement and great resource for so many young mothers!!Chris Carter recently posted..The Mother Of All Meltdowns

Ashlee, it’s so sad to me that the people close to you disappeared at a time when you most likely needed them most. When I was pregnant for the first time, and then had my first baby, those were moments in my life where I needed support from those close to me and I can’t imagine being in that position. Your strength and resourcefulness amaze me – in that you not only went out and found a community but started one on your own, in addition to navigating the world of motherhood at a younger age than most. you truly are an inspiration!Ilene recently posted..Good Stuff